Claudio Morati 08 March 2021

When and how should the Fine Black Truffle be cleaned?

Quando e come va pulito il Tartufo Nero Pregiato

HOW TO CLEAN A TRUFFLE?

Let's see how to clean a truffle.
Use cold or at most lukewarm water; absolutely avoid hot water. Some truffles, especially the prized white truffle, are very delicate, and the cleaning process must be done very gently. Otherwise, you risk damaging or detaching part of the peridium, which is the outer layer. To avoid mistakes with all types of truffles, follow my explanation.

Here's what you need to clean a truffle:

A medium/hard bristle brush.
A trickle of cold tap water.
A pointed knife.

If there are soil residues embedded in the crevices, you can remove them with the tip of the knife. For most truffles, it will be sufficient to brush off the soil under a thin stream of cold water, being careful not to use too much force.

If, on the other hand, the truffle is covered with a thick layer of soil, immerse it in a bowl of cold water for 10/20 seconds to soften the soil, making it easier to remove with the brush.

After washing, the truffle should be immediately and carefully dried with absorbent paper, patting it thoroughly in every crevice. After that, it can be used for your favorite and delicious recipes, thanks to its bold yet balanced flavor and the unmistakable aroma of the Prized Black Truffle.

In any case, if part of the truffle's skin detaches during cleaning, remember that deterioration will be faster.

The aroma is everything in a truffle, and you must do everything possible to maintain it at its best. So, the first thing to do before eating a truffle is to remove the layer of soil: the truffle must be clean, but be careful not to keep it under running water for too long.

Clean it for preservation, no!
Soil residues will create a protective layer for the truffle, allowing it to preserve its aroma and continue to mature. Conversely, by removing every trace of soil, the truffle would be completely exposed to the air. Once cleaned this way, the truffle is ready to be consumed.
Discover our tips and tricks on how to store truffles on our blog.

Our fresh truffles are sold already well brushed of excess soil. We do not wash them as this process could undermine their shelf life. You will only need to wash them a few hours before serving or using them as an ingredient.